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flowering? Then now is the perfect time to determine what plants to buy next year and where to plant them.
Come spring, you won't remember what your yard looks like right now, where the holes are, and where you need a little something to spice up the place. Make yourself a wish list (doesn't every gardener have one?) of plants to add fall and winter interest--plants with variegated or red leaves, curly or red twigs, or bold structure, whether evergreen or woody deciduous shrub.
You could draw a simple diagram of your yard for spring reference, but better yet, snap some photos. I usually take a few photos throughout the growing season each year, and then I refer back to them, or sometimes just marvel at how big my plants have grown--or overgrown. If you have photos of your fall garden, then you may not be so apt to impulse at the nursery in spring. Instead, you'll know what you need and where to plant it when it comes time to dig.
Fun Fall Stuff
I'm always trying to keep my 3 year old busy with interesting projects, and a great fall idea for kids and parents is collecting leaves and ironing them between waxed paper, then cutting them out and hanging them in the window. Kids loved to play outside, and don't mind the cold a bit, it seems.
Another fun project that can be done any time of year is to make stepping stones. Get some smooth-sided disposable containers in the size you want--plastic disposable oven pans are great--mix up some concrete and fill the containers. Smooth and let the kids add marbles, smooth stones, broken pottery bits or shells--whatever you can think of. When the stones are set up, remove the container and you've got custom stepping stones your kids will love.
Enjoy Fall!
--©2001 Lisa Marie Long
Oregon State University Master Gardener™
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